William "Bill" Suiter Jr.

William "Bill" Suiter Jr.July 8, 1942- April 5, 2019

William "Bill" Suiter Jr., of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, April 5, 2019, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at St. John's Lutheran Church, (12.5 miles north), rural Columbus, with Rev. Brad Birtell officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

William "Bill" Suiter Jr. was born on July 8, 1942, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to William Sr. and Genevieve (Perry) Suiter. He attended elementary and high school in Marysville, Kansas, and graduated in 1960. He married his love Kathryn "Kathy" Thomas in 1968 at Grundy Center in Trenton, Missouri. They were blessed with two children; William "Bill" III and Ann both of Columbus, Nebraska. After marriage in 1968, they moved to many different places throughout Kansas and Nebraska, spending much of their early years in Marysville, Kansas, until settling in Columbus, Nebraska, in 1984.

Bill enjoyed many adventures of camping, boating, Boy Scouts, and hunting with his family. He especially enjoyed early morning hunting outings with Bill Sr. and Bill III throughout the years. Jamesport Amish antique auctions, Branson trips, the Ozarks, and Estes Park were some favorite vacation spots which led to new friendships and many stories. Of course, four-legged furry buddies were a man's best friend and through the years many hounds shared his love. He'd say, "These guys have it better than some kids!" They were special to him. Technology was a way of communication for a guy who was hard of hearing and many were privileged to be on his favorites texting list. Those messages are priceless.

Bill's heart was full of giving and he would lend a hand to anyone who needed help and would volunteer his talents if he could help. Even when he was weak, he could still drive someone or supervise a gathering. He loved being with people sharing stories, joking, being with friends and he usually made a new friend everywhere he went. Gathering and lunching at Wendy's was a social network that kept Bill in the know! He sure appreciated the Wendy's crew.

Family was most important to Bill. His unconditional love for his kids and grand-kids were felt through his words, guidance, and wisdom. He was very proud of his children's accomplishments and would bend your ear with a few stories. Then came "The Girls and Big Will." These treasures would light up his day with giggles, horseplay, and lots of hugs for PAPA! He loved to watch them sing, dance and play ball.

Bill retired at 49 years old from the workforce due to cardiac disease having spent time at Wonder Bread, Wheelers, Firestone, J&M Auto, and Columbus Tire. Bill was heart transplant #107 from Bryan Heart Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, Thanksgiving 1999. That gift of life gave so many wonderful memories to him and our family. His faith and positive attitude got him through the rough days because he always believed, "It's all up to the Man upstairs." We are beyond grateful for the gift of time and cherished blessings.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Suiter; parents, William Sr. and Genevieve Suiter; mother and father-in-law- H.C. "Whistle" & Margaret Thomas; sisters and brothers-in-law,Phyllis Booth, Lois and Duane Palmer, Corky and Dan Holm, James and Beverly Thomas, and David Thomas.

Bill is survived by: Bill III (Shantelle) Suiter of Columbus, Nebraska; daughter, Ann (Mike) Babel of Columbus, Nebraska; grandchildren, Genevieve, Elisabeth, and Annamarie Suiter, Lily Wemhoff and Will Babel all of Columbus, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Paul Thomas of Kingston, Missouri; sister-in-law, Marge Thomas Clark of Trenton, Missouri; many nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com.